We deeply value visits from fellow believers who come to support the work in Cambodia. It was a joy to welcome Bro. James Willie on June 10, 2019. His flight with SilkAir from Singapore arrived on time, so I did not have to wait long at the airport. Time has passed so quickly—it is hard to believe I have been serving in Cambodia for more than ten years. The country has developed rapidly in this period, and the growth of Christianity has followed in step.
I first arrived in Cambodia in August 2008. My initial thought was to find a local church and partner with its pastor to strengthen believers in their understanding of Scripture. After working alongside a local pastor for one year, the Lord opened the way for me to start a church at a Christian Centre that already had a building. Bro. Gan later came to support us and encouraged other ministers to visit Cambodia and contribute to the ministry.
I have also been blessed with the opportunity to travel across all 24 provinces of Cambodia through sponsorship from Voice of God Recordings (VGR). These journeys allowed us to identify many independent churches and expand our outreach network.
Bro. James’s visit came at a crucial time. We used the opportunity to review the situation on the field and to share both our progress and challenges with him. Our first destination was Kampong Chhnang Province, where we met with church leaders on June 14. The teaching focused on fundamental doctrines, ensuring that the believers had a clear grasp of basic Christian principles. At the close of the Bible study, we held an engaging question-and-answer session.
Our next stop was Kampong Speu Province, where we visited Treng Troyeung Village on June 16, 2019. This village is especially meaningful to me because I began a small fellowship there several years ago. The believers have been steadily growing in their knowledge of the Scriptures. Although the congregation has remained small, we have been blessed through regular services, feet washing, and participation in the Lord’s Supper. The church has endured many challenges, but I believe the time has come for the “dry bones” to live again. I preached on the Power of Love, and Bro. James concluded with heartfelt exhortations. After the worship service, we met with the local leaders to discuss the difficulties they face and the steps needed for the church to continue growing.
During our visit, Bro. Kim Eang and Bro. Kea expressed that it has been a long time since Bro. Gan last visited Cambodia, and they greatly desire his return. While we all share this longing, I have reminded them that Bro. Gan has little time for casual visits. If they truly wish for him to come, they must show greater commitment to the church. In Cambodia, it is common for many people to attend services when a foreign minister is visiting, but once he leaves, the seats often become empty. Yet, the Bible teaches that true worshippers must worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
On a positive note, I have witnessed encouraging changes in the behavior of the believers as a result of the continual washing of the Word. These signs of growth give me hope for the future of the fellowship in Treng Troyeung.
Brother James(LEFT) giving exhortation during the fellowship.
Growth of the Fellowship in Treng Troyeung
My desire is for the church to continue growing in the knowledge of the truth. The property where the church building stands covers about seven hectares of land. It is a quiet, peaceful place—well-suited for worship and waiting on the Lord. Many people have been baptized in this village, yet follow-up is needed from time to time to help those who have strayed return to the fellowship.
Visit to Takeo Province – Ampork Church, Kirivong District (June 18, 2019)
The last province we visited during this mission trip was Takeo, on June 18, 2019. I have visited many churches in this province before, but this time I chose to visit Ampork Church in Kirivong District to encourage Pastor Man Yan and his congregation.
Pastor Man Yan previously served as pastor of the Kirivong New Song Church, a denominational congregation overseen by a Korean missionary. Unfortunately, he was asked to step down because he did not hold a Bible school diploma. Despite this, he is a man filled with the Holy Spirit and well-grounded in the Scriptures. Many members left the denominational church to follow him, and he began holding services in a simple tent. Remarkably, his congregation has now grown larger than all the other churches in the district.
Worship Service in Takeo Province
Although our visit took place on a Tuesday—rather than Sunday, when the villagers usually gather for worship—a considerable number still attended. Bro. James preached on the Heavenly Blessings that come through obedience to the Lord, drawing from Joshua 1:8, Deuteronomy 24, and other Scriptures. The message was rich and deeply edifying for the church. I noticed Pastor Man Yan nodding in agreement throughout the sermon, which was a great encouragement.
Bro. James also shared that whenever we visit a congregation, it is important—by God’s help—to discern the spiritual condition of the people and to preach in a way that ministers to their immediate needs. When someone is sent by God, it is often to address the very issues troubling those to whom he is sent.
Most of the villagers are poor farmers, yet the Word of God brings blessings to all who understand and obey it. The congregation has worked faithfully for five years to build their place of worship. Although the structure still requires finishing touches—such as flooring and a ceiling—the progress is remarkable. To support the work, Bro. James presented the pastor with an offering to assist with the project.
Bro James sharing a message during our visit to the 3rd province
Closing Reflections and Departure
After the church visits, we took some time for recreation, although the experience turned out to be far from lighthearted. Bro. James expressed a desire to see the Killing Fields, one of Cambodia’s most somber historical sites. Rather than recreation, the visit brought sorrow as we reflected on the atrocities committed there. Many people are familiar with the genocide that took place in Cambodia under the Pol Pot regime, when the Khmer Rouge—the name popularly given to the communist party—inflicted terrible suffering on the nation. Today, the Killing Fields are preserved as a memorial and have become a site of historical tourism, attracting many foreign visitors who wish to witness the tragic legacy firsthand.
Bro. James shared that he had previously visited a concentration camp near Munich, Germany, and remarked that both sites evoked the same sense of deep sorrow.
On June 20, it was time for Bro. James to return—first to Singapore and then to Germany. We are deeply grateful for the blessings God brought to us through his ministry and fellowship, and we continue to pray for more visitors to come and encourage the work of the Lord in Cambodia.
